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WASHINGTON -- The economy surprised the naysayers by turning in a solid growth rate of 2 percent in the first quarter -- double what had been expected for a period in which there had been fears a recession might be beginning.
The Bush administration called the rebound ''nothing but good news.'' Private economists also found it encouraging but expressed concern that the recession threat was not over.
The advance in the gross domestic product in the January-March quarter was not only bigger than anticipated but also was double the 1 percent annual rate of growth registered in the last three months of 2000.
''We're back from the brink,'' said a hopeful Richard Yamarone, economist with Argus Research Corp. ''The economy, however, remains fragile. Looking ahead, people shouldn't expect miracles. Economic growth will probably be weaker in the second and third quarters.''
GDP is the total output of goods and services produced within the United States and is considered the broadest measure of the nation's economic health. The first-quarter figure, released Friday by the Commerce Department, marked the government's most up-to-date reading.
Hardy spending by consumers, especially on costly manufactured goods, such as cars and furniture, and an improved trade performance were major forces boosting first-quarter growth. That helped to offset weaknesses elsewhere, including a drop in business investment in computers and other equipment.
The Bush administration, which had been concerned that the economy could dip into recession in President Bush's first months in office, welcomed the pickup.
''Our 2 percent real growth rate in the first quarter is nothing but good news compared to what most people expected,'' said Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill.
Earlier this year, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan worried that economic growth might have stalled out, ending the country's record 10-year-long economic expansion. Others feared that economic output may have actually declined.
The Fed slashed interest rates four times this year to stave off recession and rejuvenate the economy. Even with the first-quarter bounce back, many economists believe the Fed will cut rates again on May 15.
With first-quarter GDP in positive territory, economists believe the United States may have escaped the period of maximum danger for recession.
''The report suggests we have a better chance of achieving a soft landing for the economy than many thought just a few weeks ago,'' said Lynn Reaser, chief economist for Banc of America Capital Management.
Others contend that the threat of a recession remains, with the possibility that rising unemployment in coming months could yet precipitate a plunge in consumer spending, the fuel of economic growth.
''To date, the economy is recession free,'' said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Economy.com. ''But the risks are still very high that the expansion could come unraveled and that we end up in a full-blown downturn.''
Zandi and other economists predict the economy will lose altitude in the current second quarter, with some saying that GDP may slip into negative territory. ''The second quarter is probably going to be the low point for the economy,'' Zandi said.
Still, most analysts believe the economy will return to more healthy growth toward the end of the year.
An inflation gauge tied to GDP rose at an annual rate of 3.3 percent in the first quarter, the fastest pace in a year, reflecting higher costs for services such as medical care and for natural gas and electricity. But the rise didn't trouble economists, who believe the weak economy will temper inflation pressures in the months ahead.
In a speech Friday, Greenspan offered another reason not to be alarmed. He predicted the growth in the productivity of U.S. workers would continue, even while the economy slows. Increasing output per hour of work is a key to growth without inflation -- and a major factor in growing government surpluses.
In the first quarter, the economy's biggest boost came from consumer spending, which rose at an annual rate of 3.1 percent. Leading the way: a big jump in spending on durable goods -- such as cars, appliances and furniture -- which soared at an annual rate of 11.9 percent after having shrunk at an annual rate of 3.1 percent in the fourth quarter.
''The storm is beginning to subside,'' said Jerry Jasinowski, president of the National Association of Manufacturers, whose industry has been hardest hit by the slowdown.
The biggest drags on first-quarter growth came from a continuing effort by businesses to reduce an overhang of unsold goods. That shaved 2.5 percentage points off growth. A drop in business investment on computers and other equipment, which the Fed cited as a new worry in its latest rate cut on April 18, subtracted 0.2 percentage point from growth.
On the Net:
GDP report: http://osecnt13.osec.doc.gov/public.nsf
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Earlier in the show we posted a brief report on Aerion. William Garvey, who unlike me is actually in Geneva, nosed around and filed the following:
Aerion Corp., which is looking for a manufacturing partner to take its supersonic business jet design and develop, certify and build it, isn’t getting an eager reception among the established makers of business jets.
The Aerion design centers on a supersonic natural laminar flow wing and a derivative of the Pratt & Whitney JT8D-219 turbofan engine. The company says the aircraft would be efficient at high subsonic speeds as well as at supersonic cruise – its max speed is 1.6 Mach -- thereby allowing it to operate where supersonic flight is prohibited, including over the United States.
On Wednesday at EBACE, both Gulfstream and Bombardier said they were not interested in participating in the program; Dassault Falcon Jet said the same the previous day. The objections varied by manufacturer and included concerns over environmental and subsonic restrictions as well as overall program costs versus market potential.
Nevertheless, Brian Barents, Aerion vice chairman, said his group has had “a lot of legitimate interest” from unnamed manufacturers and hoped to be able to form a partnership in the not too distant future.

domain: news


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When government is taken out of the equation, businesses can innovate, individuals can create, entrepreneurs can flourish and our economy can thrive.
Our cities also deserve innovative, efficient and safe transportation choices without excessive and intrusive bureaucratic red tape.
That’s why our cities need innovative solutions like the Uber car service.
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Unlike many newspapers, ours is free – and we'd like to keep it that way, because we believe, now more than ever, everyone deserves access to accurate, independent coverage of their community.
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Agfa Graphics to Acquire the Prepress Business of Ipagsa
MORTSEL, Belgium - September 5, 2018 - Agfa Graphics announced it intends to acquire the prepress business of the privately-owned Spanish printing plate supplier Ipagsa Industrial S.L.
The transaction excludes the printing plate manufacturing activities in Barcelona, Spain. The printing plate volumes to be acquired will be partly integrated in Agfa's global manufacturing network and partly procured from third party suppliers. It is expected that in 2019, this acquisition will contribute up to 30 million Euro to Agfa Graphic’s top line with a double digit EBITDA.
''This acquisition is another step in our strategy for profitable growth. Next to a significant increase of our prepress top line, the acquisition will also help Agfa achieving its EBITDA target of 10% in average over the next few years. Ipagsa’s experienced team will continue to operate under its own brand as a separate entity, managed by its current owner, Lorenzo Ferrari,'' says Stefaan Vanhooren, President of Agfa Graphics.
“We are excited to become part of a strong player in the prepress industry. Through Ipagsa, Agfa Graphics will be able to better address the price sensitive regions and segments of the global printing market, making a clear distinction with the premium segment served by the Agfa Graphics organization,” says Lorenzo Ferrari, CEO of Ipagsa.
The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with Printing Impressions. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of Printing Impressions.


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Gold prices rose for the third straight session today, Thursday, as weaker-than-expected US inflation data reinforced that the Federal Reserve may raise interest rates again next month and then halt further increases.
By 0332 GMT, spot gold was up 0.1 percent at $2016.99 an ounce. U.S. gold futures rose 0.3 percent to $2,030.70.
Gold prices rose more than 1% on Wednesday after data showed the U.S. consumer price index rose 0.1% last month, compared with expectations for a 0.2% increase last month, after rising 0.4% in February.
“Expectations that the Fed’s hike cycle is nearing its end are supported by the latest US consumer price index data, while low Treasury yields and a weak dollar support gold prices,” said Yip Zhan Rong, market analyst at IG.
Gold is a hedge against inflation, but high interest rates reduce the attractiveness of the yellow metal, which does not provide returns.
Depression fears are “allowing gold prices to build their safe haven position,” Yep added.
As for other precious metals, silver rose 0.1% to $25.50 an ounce in spot trades, platinum to $1015.06 and palladium up 0.3% to $1464.16.
“Award-winning beer geek. Extreme coffeeaholic. Introvert. Avid travel specialist. Hipster-friendly communicator.”
Toyota reveals the production process of the GR Yaris in a video
Stock markets receive 2.68 billion dirhams
For this reason Apple shares are rising strongly, recording their highest levels ever! By an Arab trader


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The field of e-commerce is starting rapidly to be consolidated and the classified sector has now come to the switch. eBay reported today that it had entered into an agreement to sell its Business Classifieds business to Adevinta, a major Norwegian classified ad publisher owned by Norwegian publisher Schibsted. The transaction is worth $9.2 billion including eBay’s $2.5 billion in cash and Adevinta’s 540 million shares. The contract has made eBay a 44% Adevinta shareholder with a voting interest of 33.3%.
Earlier in the week, Adevinta’s interest in eBay was announced but with the offer coming at a much lower value of $8 billion.
More broadly, it cuts off months of speculation on the future of the company classifieds, a product of long-term pressure from activist investors to make eBay more organized (advocating a reverberation of the Amazon, one would think). That included not only its website, but also classified ads, payment processing (PayPal, which was spun out as a separate company) and ticketing (Viagogo bought its Stubhub business last year in a $4 billion transaction, although this is now under some regulatory scrutiny).
Today, eBay is no longer a part of all three of those business divisions.
Adevinta is based in 15 countries and had 35 digital products and websites prior to this contract. Although Ebay now owns 12 brands worldwide in 13 countries, the coronavirus crisis has hit the company hard. eBay said that Classifieds’ revenues of only $248 million decreased 3 percent as announced, and stayed flat on an FX-neutral basis, in the last quarter. In some respects the unit of eBay’s Marketplace generated revenues in the same timeframe of $1.9 billion.
This would mean an increase in 20 countries’ classified ad footprint, and businesses think that the merger would carry in $150 million – $185 million in synergies.
“We are pleased we reached an agreement with Adevinta that brings together two great companies,” said Jamie Iannone, CEO of eBay, in a statement. “eBay believes strongly in the power of community and connections between people, which has been essential to our Classifieds businesses globally. This sale creates short-term and long-term value for shareholders and customers, while allowing us to participate in the future potential of the Classifieds business.”
With little text needed to build a very simple list of offers and a search tool, classifications are one of the first Internet hits and threaten newspapers and one of their most stable income sources (not that of course). For eBay, classifieds were an obvious place for jumping in at the early stages: they complemented its business, which at that time was strongly concerned with products being employed and selling goods at the auction, and not with the purchase, and for the sale with imagery and a dynamical sales pitch.
But over the years , the technology behind a “private ad” has evolved and so buyers and sellers suspect.
And classified ads now compete with a wide range of alternatives such as social and geographical networks which link people to the goods and services that they could buy or rent for example. They include like the marketplace of Facebook, but also realistic, mobile app-based listings and more. Any of them compromised the business model of the original disruptors.
Those who settled down in space have also played a role in globalization to develop and boost their economies of scale.
“With the acquisition of eBay Classifieds Group, Adevinta becomes the largest online classifieds company globally, with a unique portfolio of leading marketplace brands. We believe the combination of the two companies, with their complementary businesses, creates one of the most exciting and compelling equity stories in the online classifieds sector,” said Rolv Erik Ryssdal, CEO of Adevinta, in a statement.
“We have been impressed with eBay Classifieds Group’s achievements in recent years, leading across markets with nationally recognized brands including Mobile.de, Gumtree, Marktplaats, dba, Bilbasen, Kijiji, 2dehands, 2ememain, Vivanuncios, Automobile.it, Motors.co.uk, Autotrader (Australia), Carsguide (Australia), and eBay Kleinanzeigen, and innovating consistently across its product portfolio and advertising technology platform.”
There are no reports of termination or other changes at the moment, with the decision coming from eBay’s executive team.
“This deal is a testament to the growth and potential of the eBay Classifieds business,” said Alessandro Coppo, SVP and GM, eBay Classifieds Group. “We are excited for our local classifieds brands to join Adevinta and shape a global leader in an industry full of potential.”
In the first quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, the agreement is scheduled to be concluded.
The Danish company of eBay Classifieds will be acquired in Schibsted when this arrangement ends.
“Schibsted’s Board of Directors and management strongly supports the agreement between Adevinta and eBay, as we are confident that it will further strengthen the value creation potential for Schibsted and the rest of Adevinta’s shareholders. Schibsted intends to continue to contribute to the value creation for all Adevinta shareholders as a significant long-term anchor shareholder,” Kristin Skogen Lund, CEO of Schibsted said in a statement.


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The Belleville Fire Department is warning residents about a smoke alarm recall.
The recall, issued by the company Kidde, Health Canada and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, covers two models of Kidde Nighthawk, hard-wired combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Under certain circumstances, the alarm can fail to continue to chirp when it reaches its end of life, after seven years, leading consumers to believe that it is still working.
The alarms were manufactured between June 1, 2004, and March 2011.
Approximately 1.5 million units were sold in Canada and 3.6 million units were sold in the United States.
The company has received eight reports of incidents in the United States.
Belleville Fire Prevention Officer John Lake is advising anyone needing information or assistance to call their local fire department.


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Tesco poaches agency chief in digital push
Tesco has poached direct marketing agency EHS 4D chief executive Matt Atkinson to help it expand its digital operations worldwide, as group digital marketing officer.
The supermarket says Atkinson’s appointment reflects its new key objective of building its digital capabilities globally. Tesco chief executive Philip Clarke told Marketing Week after a disappointing trading update in April that it would use social media as one way of improving its marketing to drive growth
A spokesman said he will be looking at the Tesco brand’s digital presence around the world and providing support to relevant teams in all markets.
EHS 4D has been working with Tesco on its Clubcard scheme since 1995. Atkinson focused on its international digital business,
He will report to chief marketing officer Tim Mason in his new role. It is not yet decided whether he will be recruiting a team to support his new role and objectives.
Tesco deputy chief executive and chief marketing officer Tim Mason says: “Matt has worked closely with us for many years and brings a wealth of experience of leading marketing projects for large international brands including Barclays, Johnnie Walker, and Volvo.


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One of the creators of Doom, John Romero, announced that he was working on a shooter in a new universe. It is being developed on Unreal Engine 5 with the support of a major publisher, who has not yet been named.
Studio Romero Games, which John Romero founded with his wife, called the upcoming game a new milestone for the team. The developers decided to focus entirely on first-person shooters, for the creation of which they are recruiting new employees.
John Romero co-founded id Software in the 90s, pioneering the first-person shooter genre and coining the term deathmatch. In addition to Doom, he has also worked on series such as Wolfenstein, Hexen and Quake.
He founded his new studio with his wife in 2015, who most recently released the strategy RPG Empire of Sin on Switch and several other platforms. Classic games he has worked on, such as Doom and Quake, are also available on the Switch eShop.
The release date or platform of the new Romero Games game has not yet been announced.


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A Michael Jordan jersey is sold for over $10 million, setting a new record
A jersey worn by basketball legend Michael Jordan has been sold for $10.1 million — becoming the most expensive piece of game-worn sports memorabilia ever bought at an auction.
The item was sold on Thursday at Sotheby's "INVICTUS" a two-part auction of sports artifacts. The bright red shirt with the words, "Bulls 23," amassed 20 bids, Sotheby's told NPR.
Jordan wore the jersey during Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals. His team, the Chicago Bulls, would go on to win the championship series against the Utah Jazz.
The season is widely known as Jordan's "Last Dance" because it concluded a historic run of wins for the Bulls in the 1990s, which included six NBA championships. Jordan went on to temporary retire in 1999. In 2001, he returned to play for another two years. Jordan officially retired in 2003 at age 40.
The jersey toppled the previous record for game-worn collectibles — a jersey worn by the late soccer player Diego Maradonaduring the 1986 World Cup sold for $9.28 million.
A 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card still holds the title for generally the most valuable piece of sports memorabilia sold at an auction, with a price tag of $12.6 million.
The jersey is also considered the most valuable Jordan-relate item ever sold at an auction. In 2021, a pair of sneakers he wore during his first season with the Bulls was sold for nearly $1.5 million.
Brahm Wachter, Sotheby's head of streetwear and modern collectables, told NPR that Jordan's jersey stirred excitement from both sports fans and avid collectors.
He said the "record-breaking result, with an astounding 20 bids, solidifies Michael Jordan as the undisputed GOAT, proving his name and incomparable legacy is just as relevant as it was nearly 25 years ago."
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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We've got two new smartphones for you today, and one of them is an Android device! Huawei has just announced the coming of the U8230 and C8000, both of which look gorgeous and have some pretty solid specs to back up the glamor.
Don't Miss: Nintendo Switch: Everything You Need To Know
The U8230 is an Android smartphone, one of the best looking ones I've seen. It's got a 3.5" touch screen that I dearly hope turns out to be AMOLED, a 3.2 megapixel camera, and a 1500 mAH battery. That's all we know about it at the moment, but I fully expect the Android community to ferret out some specifics before long.
Next up, the C8000, which will run on some sort of Windows Mobile UI. It's got a 2.8" touch screen, an independent display adapter for media playback and a battery that can give it 6-8 hours of video playback. Boy Genius says that this bad boy packs a 3D UI as well.
Don't Miss: See the first leaked Black Friday 2016 Ad
There's no info on cost or release date as of yet. More information should be forthcoming soon.


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From the China Compliance Digest (Issue No. 28: August 12, 2012):
Four staffers at Baidu, China’s leading search engine, have been arrested for accepting illicit payments from third-party internet manipulators.
Frequently seen in China, these third-party agents take fees of up to 200,000 yuan per year (US $31,522) from corporate clients to get rid of unwanted online content.
These deletion-for-pay services are illegal in China.
A Baidu spokesperson said the employees were paid as much as “tens of thousands of yuan” to delete content from Baidu’s online forums.
China law stipulates that private-sector workers found guilty of taking small to moderate bribes can face up to five years in prison. Larger bribes can result in a longer prison sentence.
“Baidu has fired the four. If we discover such cases, we will severely punish staff,” a Baidu spokesperson said. Managers of other online forums were quoted in the media as saying that improper post deletion was a common phenomenon in the industry.
Sources: AsiaOne, BBC News, The Global Times
For a limited time, subscribers to the FCPA Blog will receive a complimentary one-month subscription to the China Compliance Digest. Subscribe to the FCPA Blog at the box on the top right.


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Ready Pac Foods, Irwindale, Calif., launched limited-edition Roasted Corn and Pulled Pork Bistro Bowl, a new salad that boasts right-off-the-grill flavors.
"Consumers should be able to indulge in delicious summer BBQ flavors in a convenient way without sacrificing healthy eating," says Nannette Richardson, vice president, portfolio marketing. "We developed the limited-edition Roasted Corn and Pulled Pork Bistro Bowl after seeing pulled pork grow 21% as an ingredient on restaurant menus over the last five years, [according to MenuMonitor].”
Inspired by backyard summer BBQ, this salad features fire-roasted corn, smoky poblano peppers and tender, seasoned pulled pork on top of a crisp chopped blend of romaine and iceberg lettuces, then topped with a creamy chili lime dressing, cheese cornbread croutons and a BBQ sauce drizzle.
This new salad is only available through mid-September.


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Fragrance Sponsored by
According to the findings of Seven Scent’s new global trends forecast, three fragrance notes are set to take off in Spring-Summer 2016.
In this recurring column, Doreen Bloch shares insights from Poshly, a database about fragrance consumers derived from a data acquisition process that launched in 2012.
Sacred Basil, or Tulsi Oil.
As consumers become increasingly aware of how fragrances touch their lives through everyday products, the industry needs to provide truthful, educational and positive responses to critical comments.
The fragrance industry is at a turning point, defined by shifts in fragrance launch strategies, the rise of bath and body, artisanal scents, sustainable sourcing and more.
Lentisque, or mastic, oil is a very natural, sappy ingredient that has an intense green freshness that can add an elegant twist to formulations.
Participants in a research study gave lower ratings to scent samples when they were shown images of overweight or obese people.
Quick, on-the-go formats are crucial.
ACI's new iSTREEM tool can be used to predict the environmental concentrations of down-the-drain chemicals used in cosmetics and cleaning products.
The global market for air fresheners is projected to reach $10.4 billion by 2020, according to market research firm Global Industry Analysts Inc.


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Schedule a free appointment with one of our ADU experts.Book a call
Recently, THE NEW YORK TIMES published an article about the journey of our co-founder, Precious Price, as she built an ADU in her backyard. Read the excerpt below and continue reading on the THE NEW YORK TIMES website.
When Precious Price bought her first home four years ago in Atlanta while working as a marketing consultant, she took advantage of her frequent business trips by renting out her house on Airbnb during her absences. “I knew I wanted to use that as a rental or investment property,” she said. “I began doing that, and it was honestly very lucrative.”
For Ms. Price, 27, and other young entrepreneurs of color, online short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo represented a path to building wealth on their own terms. With an excellent credit score and minimal start-up capital — a primary barrier for people in this demographic — a professional Airbnb host could amass a stable of apartments on long-term leases, then turn around and rent those properties on a nightly basis to vacationers.


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Here are seven ideas that could impact how we live, work and play.
Uptivity, a company that seeks to optimize call center employees, thinks gamification might be the solution. Gamification is the process of bringing game-like goals and rewards to situations where they don’t traditionally exist. A call center could use Uptivity’s software to track productivity and then grant perks to outstanding employees. The chance to compete and be rewarded for good work may be an incentive to last longer at the job.
“It’s pretty similar to things like the Xbox Live network where you receive recognition or a badge inside the software that would appear next to your name. If you were receiving it everyone would get an alert that you had achieved this piece of recognition,” Uptivity chief marketing officer Patrick Hall said.
Uptivity has begun rolling out the technology to interested customers this month. Its software can track and reward things such as whether employees arrive on time, how quickly employees complete training materials and how satisfied surveyed callers are. How well an employee sticks to the provided script, or how quickly they resolve issues could be tracked as well.
“We essentially can record every interaction an employee has with a voice and their computer and how they handle the call. Are they being as effective as possible?” Hall said.
One common frustration among call centers is that training materials don’t resonate with employees. In exit interviews, employees often cite a lack of training and preparation, according to Hall, which frustrates the call centers that provide digital training materials. When some recognition and a prize are on the line, employees might study those materials a little harder.
2. Virtual reality’s impact on movies. From Wired:
All kinds of filmed entertainment, from documentary films to CGI masterpieces, are going to change. When the first Oculus prototype popped up in summer of 2012, everyone raved about how it would revolutionize the way we play videogames. But it’s got all the components to change the way we watch films, or create an entirely new kind of visual experience. That’s why Mitchell and the Oculus hit Sundance: They want to know what filmmakers can do with their system.
3. Lasers that intercept missiles. Army officer Jonathan Jeckell writes that we need to more fully embrace lasers as a defense system:
The U.S. and Israel have had increasing success lately testing lasers to intercept missiles and artillery. We could be entering a new laser age — with huge implications for American military power. … In December, the Army shot down 90 mortar rounds and several drones using a truck-mounted laser. The Navy is adding an experimental laser gun to its Persian Gulf base ship Ponce.
4. Digital Legos. When we asked female scientists and engineers about the toys that inspired them, Legos was a common response. Now playing and creating with Legos is getting even easier due to a partnership between Lego and Google:
We think the creative freedom of LEGO bricks shouldn’t be limited to plastic bins — which is the idea behind Build with Chrome, a collaboration between Chrome and the LEGO Group that brought these colorful bricks to the web using WebGL, a 3D graphics technology.
5. Leadership is about listening. From Forbes:
Malcolm Forbes once said: “The art of conversation lies in listening.” Some of the best leaders make it a point to not have their opinions heard right off the bat, but rather sit back and truly listen to what their teams have to say, maybe occasionally asking a question or two. You can get some amazing insights and inspire some great ideas just by sitting there and not contradicting (or agreeing, for that matter) with the opinions of others. Those leaders tell me that it is very hard to do, but tremendously rewarding to exercise this every now and then.
6. Crossing a street at 6 p.m. is asking for trouble, says io9.
7. WalMart tests an easier way to buy groceries. From TechCrunch:
Wal-mart To Go, the retailer’s on-demand shopping service offering home delivery of general merchandise, including in some cases, groceries, is expanding its test in the Denver market today to also include a local pick-up option. Denver area customers will now be able to order their groceries online, then pick up at a nearby store – without having to set foot inside the store.


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When it sold three million iPads in just one weekend, Apple probably did not expect the backlash that is now gathering strength worldwide over its use of “LTE” and “4G” in its marketing efforts.
Just today, an Australian consumer watchdog took Apple to court, pressurising it to change its marketing of “4G” speeds on some of its new iPad models. For Apple, the worry is that consumer groups in other countries are also taking Australia’s case seriously and may consider action of their own.
Apple’s “4G” models promise to log on to speedy LTE (long term evolution) networks, but they really only work in the United States and Canada, and not in other countries, because of the different frequencies used by such cellphone networks worldwide.
In Asia-Pacific countries like Singapore and Australia, in Europe and the Middle East, the frequencies used for LTE networks are not compatible with the iPads shipping worldwide now with a “4G” label on its box. In these countries, the iPad can only log on to slower 3G networks.
At the heart of the issue is the fragmentation of LTE or so-called 4G standards, which is becoming a growing headache for smartphone and tablet makers.
But while others such as Samsung and HTC have shipped compatible LTE devices in Australia and elsewhere, Apple perhaps believed that the popular craze for its new tablet would outstrip any consumer outcry against the lack of real 4G support in these countries.
Indeed, its lawyer, Paul Anastassiou, said in an Australian court today that it expected very few returns. He added that Apple would contest the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s claim that it had misled consumers, if a full trial were to go ahead.
Still, in a rare move today, Apple Australia did say it would refund users in the country who felt they were misled by the “4G” label. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Apple also promised to put up signs at resellers, with the following message:
“This product supports very fast cellular networks. It is not compatible with current Australian 4G LTE networks or WiMax networks’’
The question now is whether Apple will face similar action in other countries. Consumer and advertising standards groups in Sweden, Denmark, Britain and New Zealand are said to be watching the case in Australia. There are also reports that the European Commission could take action against Apple for its 4G marketing.
Apple is no stranger to consumer complaints in recent times. Its iPhone 4, for example, suffered from dropped calls if users held it in a certain way – the wrong way, blasted late CEO Steve Jobs, before the company grudgingly admitted the problem later, following mounting criticism.
The current iPad has also been criticised for being hot to touch and heavier than previous versions, despite having a sharper screen and faster processor to attract buyers.


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A PANCAKE-MAKER similar to the one used by TV’s Wallace And Gromit has been
hailed as the world’s greatest – able to whip up a snack in just ONE minute.
The amazing machine, dubbed the Pancake-omatic, sends the ingredients through
a series of stages to make the perfect Easter treat.
Each step triggers the next in a complicated chain reaction.
A hen on a throne starts the process by laying an egg, which rolls down a ramp
and into a wooden spoon, starting a gramophone.
Once the music starts, the egg is dropped onto the spinning record, then
picked up by suction cups and cracked by a hatchet.
After being mixed with the other pancake ingredients, it moves down a conveyor
belt, where it’s whisked and cooked.
And following just 30 seconds of cooking, the pancake is flipped onto a plate,
ready to eat.
The cartoony creation took a team of four engineers more than 300 hours to
construct and test, and it will go on display at the Design Museum in London
later this month.
Claire Jappy, brand manager at The Happy Egg Company, who commissioned the
device, said: “Hen happiness is at the heart of everything we do – because
happy hens lay tasty eggs.
“So our contraption is the ultimate for pancake-lovers wanting to enjoy a
truly fresh pancake.”
Dermot Doyle, of London-based Helix design production, said: “It’s no mean
feat to create a machine that will break an egg let alone flip a pancake so
this project has been a really exciting challenge for the team.
“We hope we’ve cracked it and our machine encourages others to make their very
own egg-inspired inventions.”
The machine may look like it was invented by Aardman character Wallace but
another similar egg contraption appeared in children’s classic Chitty Chitty


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A summary of YOUR #craftbeer news from the past week. March 17, 2015 (St. Paddy’s Day Edition)
@BrewStuds reports on an article by @CBSNews about competition in the #craftbeer industry. Hint: It’s more than just about #craftbeer, it’s about trademark law and naming rights. Why can’t we all just get along? With the number of #craftbeer breweries in the U.S. there is always going to be naming overlap. How many blueberry #craftbeers are out there with similar names? Plenty. Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/craft-breweries-compete-for-more-than-just-good-beer/
Politicians are Evil
A letter posted by @LiveOakBrewing had something to say to Texas legislators about the new bill making its way through the state legislature. @LiveOakBrewing tweets, “Our response to the #destroytexasbeerjobsbill now making its way through”. http://t.co/57jEnN2RLg In my opinion, this sounds like nothing more than politicians backing big business over the little guy once again. Sickening.
On the Other Hand
OK, so maybe not all politicians are evil afterall. @BeerSommelier via NorthJersey.com reports that Modified N.J. rules aid craft brewers. Seems that Governor Christie, despite opposition from the powerful restaurant, bar and liquor-store lobbies, signed legislation in September 2012 that eased sales restrictions on craft brewers, and since, the number of breweries has nearly tripled. Bravo to Governor Christie for having the balls to stand up for what is right. He must be a #craftbeer drinker. Read more: http://www.northjersey.com/news/business/modified-n-j-rules-aid-craft-brewers-1.1289302
Do it With Style
Yahoo Food reports on the Craftbeer.com (@craftbeerdotcom) Beer Styles Guide with This Tool Can Help You Pick the Right Beer at https://www.yahoo.com/food/this-tool-can-help-you-pick-the-right-beer-113180672331.html. The Craft Beer Evangelist posted on this last week! Really cool look at the different styles of beer available to the average enthusiast. Very informative and innovative display of mundane data.
Sweet Georgia Brew
The @BeerSommelier was full of good legislative news this week. He/she also reported via ValdostaToday.com that Georgia legislators passed a bill that would allow GA craft breweries to provide a small amount of beer tasting at the facility, and they can also sell #craftbeer in a single bottle, whether it be 12 or 64 ozs. Way to go Georgia! I’ll be right over!
@Beer_Disciples recommended an excellent article on The Best Craft Breweries in Every State at http://www.thrillist.com/drink/nation/americas-50-best-craft-breweries-state-by-state. While I have to admit, as I’m sure there you will to, I would disagree with a few of the choices. But that’s the beauty of #craftbeer, there are so many choices now that we all have our own favorites. JWakefield Brewing & Tennessee Brew Works, I’m talking ’bout you!


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As you might have already heard, there have been rumours swirling around the internet for the past week about a possible Nintendo Direct broadcast taking place later this month, on 20th July.
It all stems from an insider, who goes by the name Kelios on ResetEra. According to VGC, this user previously leaked accurate timings related to Nintendo Directs – including the mini one, which took place earlier this year in March.
Now, to help fire up this rumour, a new batch of Switch SKUs have surfaced on GameStop’s internal database. As can be seen in the image below, there are four unannounced Switch games on the list. Each one has a tentative release date of 31st December 2020 and a placeholder price of $59.99.
The following GameStop notice – about Nintendo of America performing maintenance on its retail integration services, on 14th July – has also been doing the rounds, but there is no guarantee there is a connection between this and the above-listed SKUs.
Now that its surprise Treehouse presentation is out of the way, could Nintendo be gearing up for something else? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
[source switch-brasil.com, via nintendoeverything.com]


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Shooty Fruity, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, highlights from CES 2018, Nintendo Direct Mini news and more, on this BRB UK.
Big Red Barrelcast 128: Dave Got Married!
Barrelcast returns to talk about the Xbox One X, Nintendo stuff & highlights from E3 2017.
BRB UK 247: E3 2017 Predictions
There are E3 2017 predictions and a bunch of news in this week’s episode of the Big Red Barrel UK Podcast.


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When Japanese car imports threatened the dominance of the American auto industry in the 80’s, Japanese auto companies quickly set up plants in the US to get over the trade barriers. In order to be qualified as domestically produced cars, they needed to embody certain domestic content. These “Buy American” provisions were a means to retain jobs in America by capturing a bigger share of the value added to the end products.
The "Buy American" movement, however, did not spread to other consumer products. As a result, 4 million manufacturing jobs were outsourced to overseas factories from 1997 to 2008 (BW 12/8/2008). In fact, the more American consumers spent, the more jobs were sent overseas. In effect, American consumption provided the virtual engine for global growth by massively importing more than it exported.
When the US housing boom collapsed in 2007 and ushered in the Great Recession, the US government had to stimulate the economy suffocated by the credit crunch. Such stimulus would come to naught if it all goes to importing goods and services from abroad. To make sure that the stimulus ends up creating domestic jobs and promoting domestic production, it has to be carefully targeted. Spending on infrastructure, health-care modernization, and green technology was thought to create the most domestic jobs.
That economic stimulus must be carefully targeted attests to the fact that much of the manufacturing technology involved is now controlled by foreign countries. Although public transit vehicles such as bullet trains must by law have 60% domestic content and be assembled in the US, the lead vendors are notably from Japan, Germany, Canada and France. Even in green energy such as wind power, the turbine technology must be imported. For example, a wind farm proposed for Texas would be 30% funded by stimulus money but powered by Chinese-made wind turbines. (NY Times 11/17/2009.) (See Farming the Wind). And China is among the lowest-cost producers of solar panels.
With such a leaky economy, the income multiplier effect of economic stimulus no longer depends just on the marginal propensity to consume in general but to consume domestic products specifically. (See Spending Multiplier).
Spending more on education, research, and health care might improve America’s long-term economic competitiveness, but the short-term stimulative effects are not as politically attractive.
- BW. "Can Obama keep new jobs at home?" 12/8/2008.
- Dailyfinance.com. "Bullet trains in the US? Japan Central says 'all aboard'." 12/17/2009.
- New York Times. China's A-Power to Build U.S. Wind Turbine Factory. 11/17/2009.
- WSJ. "Chinese-made turbines will fill US wind farm." 10/30/2009.


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After Nintendo announced Mario Party: Star Rush for Nintendo 3DS at E3 2016, some folks realized the company used recycled character art on the game's box art.
See for yourself below.
Twitter user @starwindbliss first spotted the similarity, and others chimed to say Nintendo has used the exact renderings, or very similar ones, in other projects, too.
I can't believe that Nintendo recycled the art from a Spaghetti-O's can pic.twitter.com/l9u1DHkBHz— Jirachi's World (@starwindbliss) June 16, 2016
Mario Party: Star Rush will be available on November 4 for Nintendo 3DS. The game will reportedly see gameplay changes intended for more portable-friendly gaming, including the ability for players to move all at once rather than taking turns.
The last Mario Party 3DS game, Mario Party: Island Tour, was released in 2013, and scored a 5.5 out of 10 in IGN's review. Mario Party 10—the latest in the series—was released in 2015 for Wii U. It scored slightly better, earning a 6.5 out of 10.
Nicole is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter.


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bennyboy64 writes: A court decision ruling that the supply of software through a digital download mechanism is not a supply of 'goods' has been upheld in the Supreme Court of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia, setting a precedent that software downloaded via the internet is not protected by the Sale of Goods Act, reports ZDNet. It's a court decision that lawyer Patrick Gunning said attorneys had been waiting to have clarified for some time. What this meant was that "people who purchase software will have more legal rights if they buy over the counter rather than downloading", Gunning said. Link to Original Source
"The number of Unix installations has grown to 10, with more expected."
-- The Unix Programmer's Manual, 2nd Edition, June, 1972


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EVENT UPDATE: COMICJAM48 ANNOUNCES FIRST GUESTS
ComicJam48 has announced its first guest mentors. Writer Darrin O’Toole (Earthruler, Lady Babylon, Glimmer Man) and artist/colourist Ruth Redmond (Storm, Dark Angel, Lightning Strike) will be on hand to give advice and talk comics.
You can get your tickets here.
For this and more updates, you can check out their Facebook page.


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Analysts expect that Adobe Systems (NASDAQ:ADBE) will report $2.15 billion in sales for the current quarter, according to Zacks. Eight analysts have made estimates for Adobe Systems’ earnings. The lowest sales estimate is $2.15 billion and the highest is $2.16 billion. Adobe Systems posted sales of $1.77 billion in the same quarter last year, which suggests a positive year over year growth rate of 21.5%. The business is expected to announce its next earnings results on Tuesday, June 19th.
On average, analysts expect that Adobe Systems will report full year sales of $8.79 billion for the current year, with estimates ranging from $8.73 billion to $8.90 billion. For the next financial year, analysts forecast that the business will report sales of $10.35 billion per share, with estimates ranging from $10.07 billion to $10.53 billion. Zacks’ sales averages are a mean average based on a survey of sell-side research analysts that follow Adobe Systems.
Adobe Systems (NASDAQ:ADBE) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, March 15th. The software company reported $1.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.44 by $0.11. Adobe Systems had a net margin of 24.40% and a return on equity of 24.42%. The business had revenue of $2.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.05 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted ($0.43) earnings per share. The company’s revenue was up 23.6% on a year-over-year basis.
In other news, EVP Donna Morris sold 29,404 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $197.62, for a total value of $5,810,818.48. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Chairman Shantanu Narayen sold 165,023 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $197.89, for a total transaction of $32,656,401.47. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 298,310 shares of company stock valued at $58,931,687. 0.33% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.
Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. LPL Financial LLC grew its position in Adobe Systems by 2.0% during the 4th quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 93,910 shares of the software company’s stock worth $16,457,000 after purchasing an additional 1,832 shares during the last quarter. Financial Advocates Investment Management purchased a new stake in Adobe Systems during the 4th quarter worth approximately $269,000. Guggenheim Capital LLC grew its position in Adobe Systems by 17.7% during the 4th quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 700,359 shares of the software company’s stock worth $122,732,000 after purchasing an additional 105,208 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. grew its position in Adobe Systems by 25.0% during the 4th quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 33,339 shares of the software company’s stock worth $5,842,000 after purchasing an additional 6,663 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Hawaii boosted its holdings in shares of Adobe Systems by 93.3% in the 4th quarter. Bank of Hawaii now owns 10,030 shares of the software company’s stock valued at $1,758,000 after acquiring an additional 4,840 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.25% of the company’s stock.
NASDAQ ADBE traded down $3.93 during trading on Monday, hitting $227.17. 1,244,350 shares of the company’s stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,997,049. The company has a quick ratio of 2.12, a current ratio of 2.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22. Adobe Systems has a 12-month low of $130.28 and a 12-month high of $233.17. The firm has a market cap of $113,839.44, a price-to-earnings ratio of 63.19, a PEG ratio of 2.67 and a beta of 1.04.
TRADEMARK VIOLATION WARNING: This piece was first posted by Week Herald and is the property of of Week Herald. If you are viewing this piece on another publication, it was illegally stolen and reposted in violation of U.S. and international copyright & trademark legislation. The original version of this piece can be viewed at https://weekherald.com/2018/04/19/2-15-billion-in-sales-expected-for-adobe-systems-adbe-this-quarter.html.
About Adobe Systems
Adobe Systems Incorporated operates as a diversified software company worldwide. Its Digital Media segment provides tools and solutions that enable individuals, small and medium businesses, and enterprises to create, publish, promote, and monetize their digital content. This segment's flagship product is Creative Cloud, a subscription service that allows customers to download and install the latest versions of its creative products.
For more information about research offerings from Zacks Investment Research, visit Zacks.com
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T-Mobile subscribers can expect a jump in their coverage in
several locations on North Campus, thanks to T-Mobile subscribe to
the Verizon Wireless Distributed Antenna System (DAS). Those in
Ellicott, Student Union, Knox Hall and Governors may have noticed
better T-Mobile service in these buildings.
If you have an iPhone, Apple recommends that you upgrade to iOS
9.3.5 as soon as possible. With previous versions of iOS, there are
multiple zero-day vulnerabilities that can allow someone to take
control of your device’s camera or microphone.
As the long lines for the new iPhone can attest, everybody loves
getting the latest smartphone. But when it’s time to get rid
of our old devices, what can we do to keep our personal data safe?
Sometimes it’s more complicated than just deleting a few


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Why You Should Read News Online
Are you a sports and entertainment enthusiasts who cannot help but keep in touch with the latest sports happening and entertainment events? If the answer is yes, you should click this link to discover more news sites. There are a variety of reasons that qualify the benefits of reading entertainment and sports news online. Some of the benefits of reading entertainment news online is that it is cheap and convenient. In addition to that, you will get more benefits when you read entertainment news in an online site. Recent evidence has shown that the benefits of reading entertainment and sports news online are not going anywhere. You will get ro enjoy the comprehensive benefits of online entertainment and sports news if you find a trustable source of entertainment and sports news. Making some considerations is something important that you will have to do if you want to find an authentic online source of entertainment and sports news. You can also look at the licensure to confirm that the online news channel you are considering is authentic. Picking a verifiable online source of entertainment and sports news the first thing that you will have to do if you want to get verifiable entertainment and sports news content. Keep on reading this helpful article to see all the benefits of reading entertainment news online.
The number one reason why it is a good idea to get entertainment news in an online site instead of getting it locally is that you will be able to find more categories. You will get all the news you want in one rood when you decide to go for online entertainment news sources over local new sources. Talk about following bbnaija2019, champions league, Game of Thrones, sport news, 9ja music, mp3 download, music, bobrisky, buhari, obasanjo, zlatan ibile, naira marley, kiss Daniel, davido, olamide, wizkid, kim kardashian, donald trump among other celebrities. Apart from following bbnaija2019, champions league, Game of Thrones, sport news, 9ja music, mp3 download, music, bobrisky, buhari, obasanjo, zlatan ibile, naira marley, kiss Daniel, davido, olamide, wizkid, kim kardashian, donald trump, you will also get a variety of ways to look at the online entertainment news. The news can be downloaded as an audio file or watched as a video. You can always download the entertainment news to look at it later.
To add to that, online sports and entertainment news are convenient. You will get to view unlimited sports and entertainment news from the comfort of your home so long as you have a device that supports internet connectivity and a reliable internet connection. The only thing that you are supposed to do is to read online separation quotes from this site.


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Switzerland - 22 September, 2023 - Participants in the mining industry are making every effort to meet the demand associated with the transition to new types of energy. Most of the challenges are related to the extraction, processing and use of key raw materials, and these processes now clearly require new solutions, says Stanislav Kondrashov from Telf AG. Therefore, the global battery industry is in an active phase of development. And the latest changes demonstrate how the shortages of critical mineral resources and those that negatively impact the environment can be overcome.
Stanislav Kondrashov on competing battery technologies
Until recently, most lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries were made with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) or lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NMC) chemicals. However, today the range of rechargeable batteries is much more diverse than even five years ago. This step is dictated by the times. This is required by the rapid development of electric vehicles (EV), which are increasingly filling the car markets, Stanislav Kondrashov from Telf AG comments on the trends. He says increasing range and safety, as well as the need to reduce the cost of electric cars, are driving further innovation in their production.
Sodium-ion batteries as a turning point in the structure of electric cars, - Stanislav Kondrashov Telf AG
The battery industry has continued to improve in recent years. Before the advent of significant Chinese investment, emphasis on Na-ion based chemistries was minimal due to their low energy density. This drawback has limited their use in electric vehicles. However, China saw the potential in such cost-effective technology and developed large battery formats based on it. It will be used in two-thirds of new electric vehicles in China this year, giving Tesla and Ford a boost. They followed suit and tried to introduce this type of battery into their products.
“The emergence of technology based on Na-ions really resembles a return of interest in LFP batteries,” says Stanislav Kondrashov from Telf AG. - Chinese companies are actively developing technologies that practically do not use lithium, nickel and cobalt. One of the key advantages of fully discharged Na-ion cells is their safety during transportation, which becomes another attractive factor.
Kondrashov expresses the opinion that Na-ion batteries can indeed take a leading position and become an attractive alternative in the field of energy-intensive batteries.
Industry experts have been tracking announcements of more than 150 GWh of Na-ion battery production capacity. That's enough to power three million EV cars a year. True, this figure is still 10 times less than that of lithium-ion batteries.
Stanislav Kondrashov: advantages in Na-ion battery technology do not solve global problems
Although competitive, the energy density of sodium-ion batteries cannot yet compete with nickel-based lithium-ion batteries. It is half the size, which creates a problem with the range of electric cars. As Stanislav Kondrashov from Telf AG notes, the solution could be to increase the density of Na-ion batteries and expand the infrastructure for appropriate car charging.
Sodium-ion batteries also lack established supply chains and manufacturing processes like lithium-ion batteries. The way out of the situation, according to Kondrashov, may be to invest huge investments only in the construction of gigafactories. Additional funds, according to the expert, will be needed to create capacities for the production of cathodes, anodes and chemical components. Given its track record of attracting large investments, China is likely to once again become a leader in this area.
However, it should be noted that interest in Na-ion batteries is not limited to China. India also claims a place in the sun in this area. Proof of this is that the Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries acquired Faradion, a British developer of sodium ion cells, in 2021. The company has developed a scheme for the use of Na-ion batteries in stationary energy storage systems and their potential in the two- and three-wheeled electric vehicle market. Telf AG's Stanislav Kondrashov believes these factors could help ease pressure on lithium-ion battery demand and the associated supply chain. This means stimulating the entry of new technology for the production of electric cars into the market.


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Full profile →'">
The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.
It's been nearly ten months since the disastrous launch of EA's SimCity, a game that served as a cautionary tale of what happens when you make a game online-only. Server issues left players unable to play a game that was largely about building your own city in isolation, and pleas to fix the problems by implementing an offline mode fell on deaf ears.
"The game was designed for MP, we sim the entire region on the server so this is just not possible," said the official SimCity twitter account back in March.
Turns out, it wasn't quite impossible.
EA announced today in a blog post that offline mode is coming to SimCity soon. Emeryville General Manager Patrick Buechner broke the good news:
"Yes, Offline is coming as a free download with Update 10 to all SimCity players. When we launch it, all of your previously downloaded content will be available to you anytime, anywhere, without the need for an internet connection. We are in the late phases of wrapping up its development and while we want to get it into your hands as soon as possible, our priority is to make sure that it’s as polished as possible before we release it."
He goes on to talk about how great offline mode will be for the community's modders, and essentially lists many of the reasons that everyone said the game needed an offline mode in the first place.
If internet access was perfect, there wouldn't be all this fuss about online vs. offline, but between crappy ISPs and unreliable servers on the publisher's end, we're not at a point in time where an online-only game is generally a good idea. While it's well and good for multiplayer games to rely heavily on online, in the case of SimCity, the idea seemed ridiculous. Player's past experience with the series told them there was nothing about sitting around city-building that required online play, and so they were furious when their seemingly single player game was interrupted by server issues.
While quickly adding an offline mode probably would have indeed been impossible during the launch window as a simple patch or hotfix, it's smart that EA and Maxis realized that it needed to be implemented for the long term health of the game. Whether this will attract fans that abandoned the game after the fiasco, I'm not sure, but it can only serve to improve the experience regardless.
I will say that game companies feel like they're getting slower and slower at recognizing what players want from their games, and identifying potential problems ahead of development. SimCity is getting offline mode roughly ten months after its official launch. Diablo 3 is still being patched into a game fans would deem worthwhile. Lord only knows how long it will take to get all Battlefield 4's bugs worked out. It's no wonder players are starting to feel like they're alpha or beta testing what are supposed to be completed games.
No word on exactly when SimCity offline is coming, but it should be soon.


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Sales at the nation's largest retailers topped estimates in June as unusually warm weather encouraged shoppers to splurge on everything from sun dresses to patio furniture.
It's another strong showing for the U.S. retail industry, which has been on a roll since the beginning of 1999. Brisk sales in June leave fewer items to be marked down in July clearance sales. And that is likely to translate into strong second-quarter results for many retail chains, retail analysts predicted.
The same economic formula produced the rosy June report: Low unemployment and high consumer confidence put consumers in a buying mood.
"We have a very happy consumer who is flush with cash and eager to spend," said Thomas Tashjian, retail analyst at Banc of America Securities in San Francisco.
The fact that Americans are increasing their spending at a rate faster than their incomes are rising isn't worrying retail pundits, at least for now.
"I don't think this party is going to end any time soon," said Kurt Barnard, president of Barnard's Retail Trend Report in Upper Montclair, N.J.
Discount stores and specialty chains continued to lead the pack in June. Most department store chains also made a strong showing.
Sears, Roebuck and Co. and J.C. Penney Co., the nation's two largest department store chains, were the exceptions. Hoffman Estates-based Sears turned in a modest sales increase of 1.9 percent at stores open at least a year.
Helping offset slow apparel sales, purchases of air conditioners and computers soared at double-digit rates. Other strong performers included women's large- and petite-sized clothing.
Penney, which is struggling to reinvigorate its department store business, reported June sales decreased 2.3 percent. The Plano, Texas-based chain blamed slower than expected sales of athletic footwear and denim clothing.
Meanwhile, discounters continued their romp, winning customers away from traditional retail chains with better quality apparel and low prices.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said same-store sales rose 6.5 percent in June. Target, the discount division of Dayton Hudson Corp., reported a 7.5 percent gain.
Kmart Corp. surpassed both its rivals with a sales increase of 9.2 percent. The retailer said results were helped by strong sales of Martha Stewart patio sets.
Kohl's Corp., the fast-growing Menomonee Falls, Wis., chain bested them all. It reported a 15 percent jump in same-store sales.
Despite the discounters' impressive performance, many upscale department store chains managed to join the party last month.
June sales were up nearly 8 percent at Dayton Hudson's department stores, which include Marshall Field's. Overall, Dayton Hudson's three divisions gained 6.9 percent.
Federated Department Stores Inc.--which owns Bloomingdale's and Macy's--and May Department Stores Co.--which owns Famous Barr and Lord & Taylor--both reported an 8.4 percent increase.
Among specialty chains, Gap Inc. and Limited Inc. continued their impressive showings. Helped by strong sales at its Old Navy discount chain, Gap reported a 13 percent increase in June sales. Limited did almost that well, with an 11 percent gain.
Eddie Bauer, the casual clothing specialty chain that is part of Spiegel Inc., finally showed strong evidence that a turnaround is under way. Its same-store sales rose 12 percent.
Downers Grove-based Spiegel said overall sales, including its catalogs, rose 14 percent, to $267.4 million from $234.4 million.


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Apple unveiled the iPhone 7, 7 Plus and Apple Watch Series 2 on Wednesday. The products should be available starting Sept. 16.
Educators and researchers at Kent State University have launched an app that teaches mathematical reasoning to students in special education, as well as a website that catalogs similar resources.
Shipments of wearable devices reached 22.5 million in the second quarter of 2016, according to the International Data Corporation’s recent Worldwide Quarterly Wearable Device Tracker report.
Samsung is recalling millions of its new Galaxy Note 7 smartphones globally after reports that the devices can catch fire while charging. The South Korean company is also halting sales of the new device around the world.
Seattle University is enhancing safety on campus with new software and devices to help identify incidents, shorten response times and document security events.
U.K.-based Collabco is now offering its myday app for higher education students in the United States.
The LionVision VR channel is a virtual reality subscription service that allows users to watch content from all of Penn State’s sports programs, and for a limited time comes with a free VR headset.
A new survey from CampusBooks.com analyzes student loan debt, textbook costs, use of electronic devices and more.
Explain Everything has relaunched the Android and iOS versions of its interactive screencasting whiteboard tool with an updated interface.
The TeePeedU app uses AR technology to help students build real life connections across their campus.


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After going carbon neutral in September, Gucci is daring other companies to do the same. CEO Marco Bizzarri published an open letter to CEOs yesterday, asking them to take urgent steps to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, instead of solely focusing on goals for over the next decades.
The word “organic” is a powerful marketing tool. In clothing—just as in food—brands love to tout their use of organic agricultural products to show they’re doing their part to fight the industry’s outsized environmental footprint. They know consumers want products they believe are better for them and the planet.
Since launching her eponymous brand, Stella McCartney has made it her mission to campaign for animal rights. Upon establishing her namesake brand, McCartney endeavoured to make hers an ethical and conscious company, which vowed to never use leather, fur, skins or feather in the production of any of its materials.


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By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer
(Nov. 7, 2019) Steve and Debbie Frene will soon say goodbye to Victorian Charm as they prepare to sell their shop on Main Street.
“We’re one of the few remaining links to old Berlin,” Steve said.
Debbie opened Victorian Charm on 100 N. Main St. in the 1990s with the help of her mother, Carole Smith. Debbie said she was the Town of Berlin’s treasurer for 15 years before striking out on her own and becoming one of Berlin’s downtown merchants.
“We opened it, [and] just the years have flown by from there,” Debbie said.
Throughout the Frene’s tenure living and working in Berlin, Steve said that “we’ve seen a tremendous amount of growth in Berlin.”
Debbie said she’s always held a special place in her heart for Berlin.
“Gosh, I just love Berlin,” Debbie said. “I just love the community of Berlin and how everybody knows everybody.”
However, she affirmed that it wasn’t always the bustling small town that it is today.
“You used to have to almost beg people to come to Berlin, and I mean we did everything we could to just make people aware that Berlin was here,” Debbie said.
She said a handful of people in Berlin used to brainstorm ideas for events to bring people to town.
Debbie and Steve pinpointed a moment in Berlin’s history where everything changed: a decision to film “Runaway Bride” in 1999.
“Once the movie came, people got curious,” Debbie said. “They fell in love with Berlin, and the events helped them fall in love even more.”
Over the years, new shops, businesses and restaurants filled the storefronts in downtown Berlin.
“It’s just a lot of growth. A lot of diversity,” Steve said. “A lot of different shops, and probably I would say a ‘changing of the guard’ if you will from a younger ownership, younger managers, younger stores.”
Steve said it’s crucial that these new businesses not forget some of the values that makes Berlin the quintessential small town that it is: friendliness, trustworthiness and helpfulness.
Debbie and Steve also emphasized the importance of exemplary customer service.
“You want them to have a good experience because they’ll remember you, and they’ll come back because they can give anybody their business if they want, and we have had such loyal customers,” Debbie said.
She added that it’s important to give people a reason to return to Berlin.
“It’s just caring. Caring about people, and wanting them to have a good experience in Berlin even. You have to think like a team player,” Debbie said. “You want to enjoy Berlin, so you want them to go everywhere because they may come back for one store, they may not, but they will come back for Berlin at the end of the day.”
Debbie and Steve will soon pass the torch to Victorian Charm’s new owners Melissa Stover and Chris Yingling, of Salisbury.
“I hope I’m able to do as good of a job as Debbie’s done all these years,” Stover said.
As the Frenes prepare to close this chapter of their lives, Debbie said she’s “going to miss the people” the most.
Steve agreed and added that they’ve become the go-to people for Berlin-related inquiries.
“So when someone has a question about anything in Berlin, we get the phone call because they know we’re here,” he said.
What’s next for Debbie and Steve? They said they’re not quite sure yet, but they’d like to travel and spend some time with family.
“We’re going to enjoy the holidays, and then I don’t know what we’re going to do,” Debbie said.


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It’s just not even a week or so since OnePlus launched its latest OnePlus 7t officially but there is news beyond that already. It might be surprising for most of us that the phone yet to be announced officially got leaks already. The fun thing is that the leak or render source is none other than the well-known OnLeaks that have proven itself again and again. Even when the leaks are too early, you can take it as pretty much the first impression. The device is still months away but the sources are at work already with the data they can collect.
The images rendered are that were on the report were claimed to be best developed from the company insider info. There are some interesting concepts that were rendered in this report as it was a smartphone with a punch-hole display. This would be the first of the punch-hole display by OnePlus as it only worked on waterdrop notch so far. The Chinese company can actually come up with that kind of display for innovation in its latest device. More info on the display is that it is a 6.5-inch curved screen that is also not normal for OnePlus.
During the launch of their 7T, the company has already confirmed that future phones by OnePlus will have 90hza a Fluid AMOLED display. Other things that were visible on this render were the camera design which goes back to a simple 3 camera setup. The vertically set triple cameras on it’s back are nothing like the OnePlus 7T. Some more details suggest that OnePlus will let users have wireless charging on OnePlus 8. The USB type C port is there on the lower side and the power button and slider are on the right side of the phone.


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Ford Ponders Diesel, Hybrid Versions of the Mustang to Meet Fuel Efficiency Guidelines
December 9, 2013 10:12 AM
comment(s) - last by
Mustang could get diesel power in the future
Ford unveiled the new
earlier this month and with the unveiling of the new car also came a new engine. The 2015 Mustang will get the fuel-efficient EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine that will generate roughly 305 hp and around 305 lb-ft of torque. It will be the first 4-cylinder turbo Mustang since the SVO version in the Fox body generation of the Pony car.
Ford has yet to offer official mileage estimates for the EcoBoost engine in the 2015 Mustang, but it is expected to be one of the most fuel efficient engines in its class.
However, EcoBoost isn't the only green tech that Ford is considering for the Mustang. Ford has said that it is considering a future for the Mustang that could see diesel power, hybrid, or fully-electric versions of the car. Many high-end supercars – like the
Porsche 918 Spyder
-- are utilizing hybrid systems for fuel efficiency and improved performance.
The new Lexus RC coupe will
also be available in a hybrid version
Traditionally, the Mustang wasn’t a car purchased for its fuel efficiency. The 2015 Mustang is designed from the ground up to be a world car and options such as diesel engine would make the care more appealing
Ford Global powertrain boss Bob Fascetti said, "We’re not looking at diesel at the moment, but given where we need to go with fuel consumption we are looking at all our options, and diesel is one of those options, along with hybrids and electric."
The future for the Mustang will likely see new transmissions as well. Ford and GM are currently working on a joint project to develop new nine and ten-speed automatic transmissions to improve fuel economy.
This article is over a month old, voting and posting comments is disabled
12/10/2013 11:04:06 AM
Except the Energy Star Loopholes weren't closed years ago... EPA does not test all the products and instead relies on the data supplied by the manufacturer, they don't even give much thought to it (much like the patent office).
Funny cause as far as I know most Europeans do not trust their government, I guess you don't know many Europeans.
3-4mpg could be 10% depending on your mpg, Ford didn't get its ass handed it merely gave the buyers some pocket money to compensate the extra fuel they will use, Ford didn't even do anything illegal, as the EPA does not force the automaker to test every model, an automaker can test a single model and then rate every other model with the same rating provided they have the same engine, power train and weight class.
Be it in Europe or the US the moment you trust automakers to do their own tests they will always try to find a way to "cheat" on them.
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NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Shares of Lexmark plunged 21% Tuesday, after the printer maker announced the departure of its longtime CEO and reported third-quarter financial results that fell short of analysts' expectations.
The printing manufacturer had revenue of $1.02 billion, up 6% from last year but shy of analysts' $1.04 billion estimate. The quarter's net income of $72 million rose sharply compared to last year, but a weak forecast for slow growth in the current quarter sent investors fleeing. Lexmark's stock had the biggest drop of any S&P 500 company in Tuesday trading.
CEO Paul Curlander, 57, announced plans to retire in early 2011 after 12 years at the Lexington, Ky., printer company. Curlander will be succeeded by Paul Rooke, another longtime Lexmark vet who has helmed the company's Imagining and Solutions Division since 2007.
Lexmark (LXK) is a mainstay in the printing field, but it trails market leader Hewlett-Packard (HPQ, Fortune 500) and faces persistent pressure about its one-trick business model. The company is frequently touted as a good buyout candidate, particularly for private-equity firms. Its current market capitalization, of $3 billion, sits below the $3.9 billion it generated in sales last year.
The world's most valuable company is set to join the most exclusive market index in the world at last. More
The U.S. added 295,000 jobs in February and unemployment fell to 5.5%, the lowest level since May 2008. More
There's no end to the creative ways scammers will try to steal your identity and your money. And tax time is one of their favorite times of the year. Here's how to spot a top scam and protect yourself. More


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CHICAGO—Starbucks Corp. released a review of its diversity and inclusion efforts, part of the coffee chain’s efforts to move past last year’s damaging Philadelphia incident in which employees called the police on black patrons.
The report, which includes a message from former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, is part of the company’s mission to restore trust with customers and improve training following the April incident, which sparked an apology from chief executive officer Kevin Johnson and special sessions for employees. Holder oversaw the review, which was conducted by Covington & Burling LLP.
The arrests, and the backlash they caused, have the potential to damage Starbucks’ stated goal of creating a “third place” — a public space for interaction and leisure away from home and work. The report recommends Starbucks provide anti-bias training to new workers, revise policy manuals and conduct spot audits to find problem locations, among other measures.
Additionally, Starbucks should provide training that is “tailored to low, medium and high-incident stores.”
“These trainings should use real-world examples of the challenges faced by Starbucks partners and should reinforce the principles underlying Starbucks’ current approach to addressing disruptive behaviour,” according to the report. “Starbucks is currently conducting a pilot program regarding this recommendation.”
The Seattle-based company is also testing a new store-incident procedure that allows workers to report any incidents electronically, instead of by phone. The aim is to quicken response times from managers.
The report shows that Starbucks has made progress in adding diversity to its upper management. As of Nov. 25, the company’s percentage of women and minority executives was mostly higher than the average of U.S. companies, according to the report, which cited a McKinsey study.
Nonetheless, “there is room for Starbucks to improve the representation of women and people of colour among its leadership, a fact that the company acknowledges.”


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1Kosmos Secures INR 110 Cr In Series A Round From ForgePoint Capital The funds will be used to accelerate the company's growth and product roadmap
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.
Cybersecurity company 1Kosmos that provides digital identity proofing and passwordless authentication for workforce and customers, announced on Tuesday to have raised INR 110 crore investment from ForgePoint Capital.
The security platform brings the highest identity and authentication assurance levels through advanced biometrics and a private blockchain ecosystem that includes BlockID Verify, BlockID Workforce, and BlockID Customer that delivers unmatched security for enterprises and individuals.
"Research has shown that 81 percent of data breaches are caused by identity and credential compromises," said Hemen Vimadalal, chief executive officer, 1Kosmos . "With the help of our expert advisory board and investment from ForgePoint, we are able to make this an issue of the past for all, saving companies and individuals the time, money, and hassle associated with outdated security. We are here to solve a 60-year-old digital identity and credential problem in less than 60 minutes."
In addition to securing funding, which will be used to accelerate the company's growth and product roadmap, 1Kosmos has assembled an advisory board that brings together top professionals in the cybersecurity industry. With decades of combined experience working for industry-leading organizations such as Booz Allen, the National Security Agency, Barclays, and more.
"At ForgePoint, our goal is to build the next generation of companies that protect the digital world," added Alberto Yépez, founding partner, ForgePoint Capital. "1Kosmos provides an integrated offering to enable organizations to drive their digital transformation by managing identities in a distributed environment. We are excited to partner with the 1Kosmos team given their track record of success and their differentiated standards-based offering with a solid architecture approach. They will transform the way the industry views digital identities and authentication."
With this funding round, AlbertoYépez joins the 1Kosmos' board of directors.
The company's BlockID products claim to go beyond all passwordless solutions on the market by bringing decentralized identity to workforces and customers.
This is backed by the use of advanced biometrics to ensure customers know for a fact that is accessing systems and also eliminating the need for usernames and passwords or complex multi-factor authentication. BlockID integrates with any application, website, or operating system and doesn't require additional software or technology, the company further said.
In India, 1Kosmos has an enviable roster of clients primarily from the banking and financial services sector including IndoStar Capital, 63Moons, Hitachi, BYJU's, Bajaj Electrical, to name a few.


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While app downloads and engagement increase during the holiday season, as consumers give and receive new mobile devices as gifts, new data from AdMob by Google indicates this activity actually peaks in January, rather than December.
In a new infographic, AdMob described January as the ‘Black Friday’ for app monetization. Created in collaboration with app analytics company App Annie, the infographic revealed that during the last holiday season (the period between October 2014 and January 2015), app downloads increased by 20 percent. AdMob itself saw an almost 30 percent increase in the number of ad impressions it served during that same time period.
AdMob encourages developers to consider monetizing their apps with ads to capitalize on the increase in mobile activity during the holiday season. When adding ads to their apps, AdMob said companies should test different ad placements to determine ‘which placements balance revenue with user experience.’
In addition, AdMob said developers should consider discounting their paid apps, or even making theirs apps free for the season. To make the most of existing users, AdMob encourages targeting high spending users with seasonal promotions, while other users could still receive ads. According to the infographic, developers could earn up to 117 percent more revenue by adding ads for in-app purchases. In addition, developers who use interstitial ads can earn 20 percent more revenue than developers who don’t.


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Banma Network, a joint venture between e-commerce giant Alibaba and Chinese automaker SAIC Motor, is expanding its presence by virtue of appointing new executives and seeking fundraising.
The company has appointed Zhang Chunhui, the former head of Cainiao ET lab in Alibaba and early head of Alibaba’s operating system AliOS, as the company’s co-CEO, local tech media 36Kr learned from sources close to Banma executives.
This change in management is part of Alibaba’s latest move to gain more control over the smart vehicle operating system, which is a key element to offer a smart in-car experience to drivers and passengers. After this reshuffle, Zhang will take over the development of technology, product, and operation of the company while existing CEO Hao Fei will be responsible for marketing and sales.
Banma is recently seeking a new round of funding, and potential investors include a recently founded industrial fund affiliated with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, several investors close to Banma told 36Kr. The estimated value of the company has reached RMB 14 billion (USD 2 billion).
Also, Alibaba will soon announce a partnership with state-owned automaker FAW Group on the automotive internet of things, and participants include Banma and Alibaba’s mapping unit AutoNavi, sources close to the deal told 36Kr.
Banma has not responded to 36Kr’s inquiries for a comment on those issues.
Banma was founded in 2015 by Alibaba and SAIC Motor with a joint investment of RMB 1 billion. The company launched its AliOS-based vehicle connectivity solution in 2016 and first applied it to SAIC Motor’s Roewe RX5, which attracted many customers with an intelligent driving experience. Banma claimed that over 700,000 vehicles have equipped with its in-vehicle operating system.
Banma has completed its first funding round in September 2018, raising over RMB 1.6 billion. The fundraising was led by the state-backed SDIC Fund Management Company Ltd., along with SAIC Motor’s investment arm Shang Qi Capital and Yunfeng Capital, a venture capital fund co-founded by Alibaba founder Jack Ma. Hao Fei, Banma’s existing CEO hinted that the company had reached a valuation of USD 1 billion, although the exact figure was not disclosed.
Alibaba and SAIC Motor announced in August to deepen their strategic cooperation in August to build the next generation smart vehicles. As part of the deal, both parties will restructure Banma by injecting the intellectual property and businesses of Alibaba’s self-developed operating system AliOS. Alibaba has become the largest stakeholder of Banma after the restructure.
36Kr is KrASIA’s parent company.


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TOO many people think no real harm can come from taking over-the-counter pain killers. But they can be wrong - dead wrong. Too much of any drug or any drug in combination with others can have dangerous results. It happens all the time, with dire and sometimes deadly results, and federal authorities are stepping in to better warn the millions of Americans who take these pills daily.
The drugs are easily accessible, cheap, and are sold to anybody. As a result, consumers seldom bother to read the labels to make sure they take the pills properly. After all, employees can get pain relievers at the office, and practically every U.S. home has at least one bottle of pain killers in the medicine cabinet.
But instead of reading the labels and following the directions as they should - whether to take one tablet every eight hours, one every four hours, or two every six hours - consumers just take the pills. "People swallow these things like candy," lamented Dr. James Boyer, Yale University professor of medicine.
Consumers also ignore warnings about mixing pain killers with other drugs. Doctors say patients may unknowingly take acetaminophen for pain. Then if they have flu symptoms later on, they may take another OTC medication, which may contain the same ingredients as the pain killers. On top of that, consumers tend to ignore the risks associated with taking pain killers and consuming alcoholic beverages. All this can, and does, lead to appalling side effects, including liver damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney injury, or even death.
To reduce those risks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is mandating new labels, which include fluorescent or bold-faced type on labels prominently placed on containers. That's a welcome start, but it won't do any good unless consumers read and heed the directions. Nobody taking a pain killer to get relief from a headache should die or wind up in the hospital from serious side effects because he or she didn't take an OTC medicine correctly.
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Earlier this week Sears Holdings CEO Eddie Lampert has offered the beleaguered retailer $400 million for iconic but tarnished private brand Kenmore. The offer comes from his hedge fund, ESL Investments. The bid comes four months after Lampert wrote a letter to the Sears Board of Directors, urging the company to sell the brand.
A separate proposal valued Sears Home Improvement at $70 million, with a potential extra $10 million if the retailer met specific financial benchmarks.
“Completing the acquisitions of Kenmore and Sears Home Improvement will enable Sears to improve its debt profile and liquidity position, creating the runway to help continue its transformation, and allow these businesses to unlock their considerable potential by further expanding their presence in the marketplace,” according to a statement from Lampert. He is prepared to close the deal in as little as 60 to 90 days.


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Uber and Lyft have changed the face of traditional transportation systems, making it easier for people to hop a ride almost anywhere and, in some cases, live without owning a car. The growth of Lyft and Uber has coincided with the rise of the gig economy, which focuses on hiring independent contractors and freelancers instead of full-time employees. Drivers work when they want, getting paid for each ride and covering the cost of their car expenses and taxes. This gig economy set-up has allowed many people to earn income and enjoy the flexibility that comes with being a independent contractor. However, a recent California bill will soon go into effect that will recategorize many drivers as employees, beginning in January 1, 2020.
What is AB5?
California Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), also known as the gig-worker rule, will require Uber, Lyft, and other app-based companies to pay all of their employees minimum wage and provide benefits like health insurance and sick pay to the workers in California. Additionally, as employees instead of independent contractors, drivers will be legally able to unionize and negotiate contracts. Lyft and Uber, along with other companies and individual workers, argue that the new law will take away the flexibility that so many drivers value, such as setting their own hours, choosing how many rides to do, and, essentially, being their own boss. The companies have since filed the Protect App-Based Drivers Services Act to the California Attorney General’s Office in the hope that drivers could remain classified as independent contractors after AB5 goes into effect. Drivers are divided on the ballot.
The AB5 will require companies to use a legal standard referred to as the ABC test in order to determine employment status. In order for a company to demonstrate that a worker is an independent contractor, they must provide documentation that the following three categories are satisfied: A.) The worker is free from the control and direction in the performance of services B.) The worker is performing work outside of the hiring entity’s usual course or type of business. C.) The worker has their own independent business or trade beyond the job they were hired for. The passage of AB5 could influence other states to follow a similar trend.
How will the law impact the gig economy?
The law will definitely impact other companies and workers as well. Vox Media announced that they will be ending contracts with hundreds of freelance writers as the company prepares for the implementation of the new law. With gig-economy jobs becoming more and more widespread, AB5 and the possibility of similar laws going into place may create a new shift in today’s workforce. It’s important to stay informed of the laws that may be going into effect and understand how they are going to impact your company.
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Possibility to line up super and tips
There is an opportunity for alignment between pensions and financial advice, but not until the industry is truly independent, according to Pensions, Financial Services and Digital Economy Minister Jane Hume.
During Industry Super Australia’s “A Better Future for Members” webinar, Hume was asked if super funds can provide free financial advice to members through salaried employees.
Hume said the consulting sector has undergone significant reforms over the past decade and will continue to do so.
“It’s basically gone from a sales industry to a profession and it’s been a very uncomfortable journey for a lot of those in the industry, but it’s been important,” Hume said.
“I think there is now a great opportunity to see a much better alignment between pensions [and the advice sector], especially once we get to that phase of disaccumulation, but the consulting industry still has some way to go. “
Also responding to the question, Labor Deputy Treasurer Stephen Jones said he was “extremely uncomfortable” with the model suggested in framing the question.
“I’m not going to rule it out but I’m extremely uncomfortable with the model that was suggested [by the question]”Jones said.
“The Hayne Royal Commission showed all the conflicts that exist through integrated vertical organizations where the advisor is attached to the fund… therefore the momentum and incentive to capture value is immense.
“And I think it would be naïve to think that this is just a problem in the retail industry, and it wouldn’t be, if we extended this to the whole industry, a problem. in the industrial sector. “
Responding to Jones, Hume said she was well aligned with him on financial advice being a highly independent profession.
“It took a long time to get them here, let’s not waste it now,” Hume said.
Jones said getting the right piece of super-regulation advice was just as important as having the right to the retirement clause and the payout.
“The consulting industry is in turmoil, the old business model is crowded, the new business model has yet to be created,” he said.


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Last week Pepsi and Peeps made news when they announced a collaboration: limited edition Pepsi x Peeps — a “delicious new beverage that combines the crisp, refreshing taste of Pepsi cola with the pillowy-soft and sweet Peeps marshmallow flavor consumers love.” That’s right—you heard it: marshmallow cola.
Whether or not you enjoy marshmallows, or cola—or the idea of both together—this collaboration is just the right dose of joy and silly that we all need right now. Spring has sprung, the weather has brightened, and more hope is in the air as the world starts to open up a bit more with vaccine roll-outs.
In a recently fielded survey we learned that 80% of consumers are optimistic about the post-vaccine environment. And this sense of optimism points to larger gatherings, more celebrations together (including ones at home)—which presents an opportunity for the CPG sector.
The Pepsi Peeps soda collaboration in 2022 is not only fun, but may also be smart for business. We took a look at sales for soft drinks and non-chocolate candy (categories to which Pepsi and Peeps respectively belong), and the trends were intriguing. The soft drinks category enjoyed a strong year in retail sales, with U.S. grocery sales up 18% in the first year of the pandemic. Non-chocolate candy, however, hasn’t benefited from the same boost, with pandemic year-over-year sales flat. In February, non-chocolate candy sales were down 6% year-over-year, perhaps fueled by fewer in-person Valentine’s Day celebrations this year. In that sense, Peeps can enjoy an added boost around Easter—the confection brand’s moment to shine—with a brand elevation from Pepsi.
The move is a strategic one by Pepsi as well. Seasonally, the non-chocolate category enjoys its second biggest jolt around Easter. While soft drinks do enjoy a modest bump in sales, Pepsi does not have the same association with the holiday as does Peeps. By partnering with the confection brand, the soft drink brand can help consumers associate the brand with the holiday when they fill their baskets with refreshments for their spring-time celebrations—a great strategy for winning new buyers and loyal buyers alike.
This type of creative Peeps Pepsi 2022 collaboration is a great example of CPG manufacturers using upbeat messaging to make their brands top-of-mind as consumers seek out products for their spring- and summer-time celebrations.
For more examples of how brands have used advertising during the pandemic to connect with their buyers, check out our Playbook for Advertising Effectiveness.
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